Ellen Barksdale

Ellen Branch Barksdale passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family and dog, Lucy, on October 2, 2014 after a fearless battle with breast cancer. She was born May 22, 1947 in Franklin, VA. At the age of two, her family moved to Rocky Mount, NC where she grew up. Ellen was a graduate of East Carolina University and received her Master's in Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Ellen was a grade school and middle school teacher for 40+ years. She had an avid love for animals and was a dear and true lifelong friend to many. She leaves behind her husband, David of the residence; three daughters, Foy Ellen Barksdale of Raleigh, NC, Rebecca Barksdale Holt and husband Jason of Holly Springs, NC, and Mary Paige Barksdale also of the residence. Brother, Robert ("Bobby") Clinton Branch, III and wife Bonnie and two nieces and a nephew. Ellen also leaves behind her grandchildren which were her lights, Hayden Thomas Holt and Hattie Mae Holt. She was predeceased by her mother, Nell Rose Branch, father Robert ("RC") Clinton Branch, Jr. and stepmother, Foy Bullock Branch. The family wishes to thank Dr. Timothy Brotherton and his staff at the Oncology department of UNC Cancer Center Hillsborough and Chapel Hill offices, the many staff members of Commonwealth Hospice whose care allowed Ellen to spend her last days at home where she could be with her dog and family. The family will receive friends and family at 1:00 PM at Townes Funeral Home October 11, 2014 followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at Townes Memorial Chapelwith the Reverend Daryl Joyce officiating. A reception will be held, immediately following the service, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Danville Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Danville Area Humane Society, 996 South Boston Rd. Danville, VA 24540 or UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB #7295, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295.